- विज्ञापन -
Ludhiana:
The Ludhiana Commissionerate Police have extended the operating hours for eateries, including restaurants and bars etc across the city.
The move came within days after the restaurant and hotel owners met Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora and demanded extension of operating hours.
However, as per the order issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP – Hq) Ludhiana Snehdeep Sharma, all the eateries in restaurants and bars (whether having excise licenses or not) can operate until 2am but certain eateries having excise license can get extension up to 3am only if they pay additional license fee of Rs 25 lakh per annum.
The order also emphasizes the safety of employees and visitors, particularly women. According to the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act and a notification dated July 15, 2024, establishments open past 10:00 PM must provide separate lockers, restrooms, and security for female employees.
The order also mentioned that women cannot work after 8:00 PM without written consent, and safe transportation home must be ensured for them. The Prevention of Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, must also be enforced in these establishments.
Further, the order mandates stringent safety measures, including installation of CCTV cameras with a minimum 15-day recording backup, provision of emergency alarms and adequate security staff to prevent disturbances, Well-lit parking spaces or valet services to avoid traffic disruptions, strict compliance with noise pollution guidelines, ensuring levels do not exceed 10 dB(A) above area standards or 75 dB(A) between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, as per Supreme Court and Punjab & Haryana High Court rulings.
While addressing the media on Monday, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora officially announced the relaxation for the hotel/restaurant/bar owners and he also asked the owners to adhere to the guidelines to ensure safety of staff and visitors.
Meanwhile, Amarvir Singh, President, Hotel and Restaurant Association, Ludhiana along with other restaurant owners including Amitoj Bajaj, Vishal Malhotra and Amarjit Singh thanked Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora for providing much needed relief to their businesses. “It was our demand for more than 10 years,” he said adding that it was only around 10 days back that this issue was brought to the notice of MP Arora and they are thankful to him for its timely resolution. They expressed that this move will give a boost to their industry.
